Inspection image display apparatus, inspection image display method and storage medium

ABSTRACT

A display switch section switches a display mode at a time of displaying inspection images stored in a storage device in which folders including a hierarchical structure are created by selecting the display mode from a predetermined display mode and a list display mode. A folder selecting section selects one folder to be an origin of list display when the list display mode is selected and a control section causes, in a list display region, each inspection image stored in each folder belonging to a folder group with the one folder as the origin to be list-displayed and causes to be displayed, in addition in the list display region, information which makes a folder in which a file of the inspection image is present and a folder in which the file of the inspection image is not present visually identifiable, in each folder belonging to the folder group.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.13/554,590, filed Jul. 20, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/514,546, filed Aug. 3, 2011, the entirecontents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an inspection image display apparatus,an inspection image display method and a storage medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, endoscope apparatuses have been widely used inindustrial fields and medical fields. An endoscope apparatus has aninsertion portion having an image pickup unit provided at a distal endportion, and a user who is an inspector brings the distal end portion ofthe insertion portion close to an object, causes an image which ispicked up by the image pickup unit at the distal end portion of theinsertion portion to be displayed on a monitor, and can cause the imageto be stored in a storage device in accordance with necessity. Forexample, the user can connect a storage device such as a USB memory to amain body and can store an endoscopic image in the storage device.

In a conventional endoscope apparatus, as disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-9057, a DCIM directory isautomatically created in a root directory in the storage device inaccordance with a DCF standard, and endoscopic images are automaticallystored under the directory.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No.2003-108976 discloses an art of list-displaying all images in a selectedfolder including images in sub folders in a same screen in an imagemanagement system which manages images in a unit of a folder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An inspection image display apparatus of one aspect of the presentinvention has a display switch section configured to switch a displaymode at a time of displaying a plurality of inspection images stored ina storage device in which a plurality of folders including ahierarchical structure are created by selecting the display mode fromany one of a predetermined display mode and a list display mode, afolder selecting section configured to select one folder to be an originof list display from the plurality of folders when the list display modeis selected in the display switch section, and a control section thatcauses, in a list display region, each inspection image stored in eachfolder belonging to a folder group with the one folder as the origin tobe list-displayed and causes to be displayed, in addition in the listdisplay region, information which makes a folder in which a file of theinspection image is present and a folder in which the file of theinspection image is not present visually identifiable, in each folderbelonging to the folder group, when the list display mode is selected inthe display switch section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external configuration view of an endoscope apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration of amain body section of the endoscope apparatus, and an internalconfiguration of a main body section of a personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a folder of ahierarchical structure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a file mark settingwindow in setting processing of a file mark.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a case inwhich a list display mode is selected.

FIG. 6 is a view showing one example of a screen which is displayed whenthe list display mode is selected.

FIG. 7 is a view showing one example of the screen which is displayedwhen the list display mode is selected.

FIG. 8 is a view showing one example of the screen which is displayedwhen the list display mode is selected.

FIG. 9 is a view showing one example of the screen which is displayedwhen the list display mode is selected.

FIG. 10 is a view showing one example of the screen which is displayedwhen the list display mode is selected.

FIG. 11 is a view showing one example of the screen which is displayedwhen the list display mode is selected.

FIG. 12 is a view showing one example of a display mode for making afolder in which an image file is not present identifiable.

FIG. 13 is a view showing one example of the display mode for making afolder in which an image file is not present identifiable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 11 relate to the embodimentof the present invention.

First, based on FIG. 1, a configuration of an endoscope apparatusaccording to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is anexternal configuration view of the endoscope apparatus according to thepresent embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 is configured to include amain body section 2 which is a main unit, and a scope unit 3 which isconnected to the main body section 2. The main body section 2 has aliquid crystal display (hereinafter, abbreviated as an LCD) 4 as adisplay apparatus in which an endoscopic image, an operation menu andthe like are displayed. As will be described later, the LCD 4 may beprovided with a touch panel (FIG. 2). The scope unit 3 has an operationsection 5, a universal cable 6 which is a connection cable forconnecting the operation section 5 to the main body section 2, and aninsertion portion 7 which includes a flexible insertion tube. The scopeunit 3 is detachable from the main body section 2. An image pickup unit(FIG. 2) which will be described later is contained in a distal endportion 8 of the insertion portion 7. The image pickup unit isconfigured by an image pickup device, for example, a CCD sensor, a CMOSsensor or the like, and an image pickup optical system such as a lenswhich is disposed at an image pickup surface side of the image pickupdevice. A bending portion 9 is provided at a proximal end side of thedistal end portion 8. An optical adapter 10 is configured to beattachable to the distal end portion 8. The operation section 5 isprovided with various operation buttons such as a freeze button, astorage instruction button (hereinafter, a REC button), and an up, down,left and right (U/D/L/R) direction bending button.

A user can perform image pickup of an object, still image storage andthe like by operating the various operation buttons of the operationsection 5. Further, the user can select a storage destination folder byperforming an operation of tilting a joystick 5 a provided at theoperation section 5 in any one of up, down, left and right directions,when the user performs change of the storage destination folder for anendoscopic image, which will be described later. Further, in a case of aconfiguration in which a touch panel is provided at the LCD 4, the usercan give instructions of various operations of the endoscope apparatus 1by operating the touch panel.

Image data of the endoscopic image which is picked up and obtained isstored in a memory card 11 as inspection data of an inspection target.The memory card 11 is detachable with respect to both the main bodysection 2 of the endoscope apparatus 1, and a main body section 61 of apersonal computer (hereinafter, called PC) 101 which will be describedlater.

The user can bring the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 7close to a site to be inspected of an inspection target, photograph thesite to be inspected, obtain an endoscopic image, and display theendoscopic image on the LCD 4. Further, as will be described later, theuser can change the storage destination folder for endoscopic imageswhile confirming a folder in the memory card 11 which stores theendoscopic images at a time of inspection, and operating the operationsection 5 if necessary.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an internal configuration ofthe main body section of the endoscope apparatus, and an internalconfiguration of the main body section of the personal computer.

The main body section 2 includes a central processing apparatus(hereinafter, called a CPU) 21, a ROM 22 and a RAM 23, which areconnected to one another through a bus 24. Further, a plurality of kindsof interfaces (hereinafter, called I/Fs) 25 to 30 are connected to thebus 24. The I/F 25 is a drive and receiving circuit for performingtransmission of a drive signal to an image pickup unit 41 of the scope3, and reception of an image pickup signal from the image pickup unit41. The I/F 26 is a drive circuit for transmitting a drive signal to anLED 42 as an illumination section.

The I/F 27 is a circuit for receiving various operation signals from theoperation section 5. Various operation signals from the operationsection 5 include an operation signal of the joystick 5 a. In the caseof the configuration in which the touch panel 32 is provided at the LCD4, the I/F 28 is provided as a circuit for receiving a drive signal tothe touch panel 32 and an operation signal from the touch panel 32. TheI/F 29 is a circuit for supplying an image signal to the LCD 4.

The I/F 30 is a circuit for performing write of an image signal to thememory card 11 and read of an image signal from the memory card 11. TheI/F 30 is electrically connected to the memory card 11 via a connector33 provided at the main body section 2. The memory card 11 is detachablyfitted to the connector 33.

The main body section 2 contains a battery 34 in an inside thereof, andthe battery 34 supplies power to various circuits in the main bodysection 2.

The I/Fs 25 to 30 operate under control of the CPU 21. When theendoscope apparatus 1 is actuated, the CPU 21 outputs various drivesignals to the image pickup unit 41 via the I/F 25, and the image pickupunit 41 outputs an image pickup signal to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 outputsa drive instruction signal for the LED 42 to the I/F 26, and the LED 42is driven by the output of the I/F 26, and illuminates the object, as aresult of which, a live image which is an endoscope video relating tothe object, is displayed on the LCD 4.

Since the operation section 5 is connected to the CPU 21 via the I/F 27,the operation section 5 supplies, to the CPU 21, various operationsignals indicating operation contents by the user to the operationsection 5. When the user depresses the freeze button of the operationsection 5, the CPU 21 generates a still image based on the image pickupsignal from the image pickup unit 41, and when the user furtherdepresses the REC button of the operation section 5, image data of thestill image is stored in the memory card 11. Since the still image byfreeze is displayed on the LCD 4, the user can confirm the still image,and when the user stores the still image, the user depresses the RECbutton.

Meanwhile, the PC 101 has the main body section 61, an input apparatusgroup 71 which is configured by including a keyboard and (or) a pointingdevice or the like which can input various instructions relating tooperations of the main body section 61, and a display apparatus 72 whichis configured by a monitor or the like which can display an image or thelike corresponding to an image signal outputted from the main bodysection 61.

Further, the main body section 61 is configured by having a CPU 62 whichperforms various kinds of computing processing, control and the likerelating to operations of the PC 101, a storage device 63 in whichvarious data including programs, software and the like which areexecuted by the CPU 62 are stored, and a RAM 64 which can temporarilystore processing results and the like of the CPU 62. Further, respectiveunits of the CPU 62, the storage device 63 and the RAM 64 are connectedto one another through a bus 65. A plurality of various I/Fs 66 to 68are connected to the bus 65.

The I/F 66 is configured as a circuit which can receive an operationsignal relating to the instruction which is performed in the inputapparatus group 71. The I/F 67 is configured as a circuit which cangenerate an image signal for displaying an image or the like on a screenof the display apparatus 72 and can output the image signal, based onthe control of the CPU 62. The I/F 68 is configured as a circuit whichcan perform write of an image signal to the memory card 11, and read ofthe image signal from the memory card 11. Further, the I/F 68 iselectrically connected to the memory card 11 via a connector 69 providedat the main body section 61. The memory card 11 is detachably fitted tothe connector 69.

That is to say, according to the configuration described above, the usercan confirm the image data which is read from the memory card 11 on thescreen of the display apparatus 72 by fitting the memory card 11 inwhich the image data of an inspection target is accumulated to the mainbody section 61 and actuating software for image browsing or the like,for example.

Meanwhile, a user can create an optional folder in the memory card 11.For example, the user creates a plurality of folders having ahierarchical structure in the memory card 11 by using a PC beforeendoscope inspection. More specifically, the user can create a pluralityof folders of desired folder names under “root”, and can cause each ofthe folders to store endoscopic images. Further, folders can be furthercreated under the upper folders. That is to say, the user can create thefolders having a hierarchical structure in the storage medium.Subsequently, the user can store, in a desired folder, the endoscopicimage which is picked up and obtained by the image pickup unit 41 of thescope 3.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of folders of ahierarchical structure. FIG. 3 schematically expresses respectivefolders and files included in the folders in order to explain thefolders of a hierarchical structure, and here, FIG. 3 shows an exampleof folders having two hierarchical layers, that is, two levels.

As shown in FIG. 3, the folder of “Pipesystem_1234567” is created at alower level than “root”. Further, at a lower level than the folder of“Pipesystem_1234567”, five folders that are “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1”,“A1_Pipe_ZX002_1”, “B1_Pipe_ZX001_1”, “B2_Pipe_ZX002_2”, and“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” are created.

A character string of “Pipesystem_1234567” in a folder name at the lowerlevel than “root” includes, for example, information which makes apiping system of an inspection target identifiable.

Further, character strings of “A0_Pipe”, “A1_Pipe”, “B1_Pipe” and“B2_Pipe” in folder names at the lower level than “Pipesystem_1234567”include information which makes pipes different from one another andincluded in the piping system of the inspection target identifiable, forexample.

Further, character strings of “ZX001_1”, “ZX002_1”, “ZX002_2” and“ZX003_1” in folder names at the lower level than the“Pipesystem_1234567” include information which makes inspection purposesfor pipes distinguishable, for example.

That is to say, the user creates a folder with an optional name under“root” in the memory card 11. The user may perform folder creating workwith an outside apparatus such as the PC 101, or may perform the foldercreating work by connecting a hardware keyboard to the endoscopeapparatus 1 and operating the hardware keyboard. Further, the user mayperform the folder creating work by operating a setting screen displayedon the LCD 4 and a software keyboard which is configured as GUI.Furthermore, in the case of the configuration in which the touch panel32 is provided on the LCD 4, the user may perform the folder creatingwork by operating the touch panel 32 or the like, by using the settingscreen displayed on the LCD 4. As will be described later, the user canselect an optional folder from a plurality of folders which are createdlike this as a storage destination folder for endoscopic images, andstore the obtained endoscopic images in the selected folder.

In the present embodiment, a number of the folder hierarchical layers istwo, but the number of the folder hierarchical layers is not limited totwo, and may be three or more. Further, as shown by the dotted lines inFIG. 3, a number of folders of the same hierarchical layer may be threeor more.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3, one image file of the endoscopic image ina JPEG format is stored in each of four folders of “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1”,“A1_Pipe_ZX002_1”, “B1_Pipe_ZX001_1”, and “B2_Pipe_ZX002_2”. Further, asshown in FIG. 3, an image file of an endoscopic image is not stored in afolder of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1”.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the image file of the endoscopic image isgiven a file name in which, for example, the folder name with the imagefile stored, a serial number given in sequence according to a timing atwhich the image file is stored, and a file mark which is given as willbe described later are respectively connected with symbols “_” (underbars). That is to say, each of the file names of the endoscopic imageillustrated in FIG. 3 is given so as to have regularity of “foldername_serial number_file mark.JPG”.

More specifically, the folder name of “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1”, the serialnumber “0001”, and the file mark “A” are respectively connected with thesymbols “_” (under bars), and thereby, a file name of“A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_001_A.JPG” is given. The symbol which separates thefolder name or the like is not limited to the under bar, but, forexample, “-” (hyphen) and a space may be used.

That is to say, according to the image file of the endoscopic image towhich the file name is given with regularity as described above, theinspection purpose at a time of acquisition of the image file can beidentified based on the file name.

Here, a file mark which is used when a file name is given will bedescribed. FIG. 4 is a view showing a display example of a file marksetting window in setting processing of a file mark.

A window 201 of FIG. 4 is pop-up displayed on the screen of the LCD 4 inresponse to the operation input for freeze from the operation section 5when a still image is displayed.

Subsequently, the user can select any one of four kinds (five kinds if“None” indicating that nothing is added is included) included in thewindow 201 by performing an operation of the operation section 5.

In the case as illustrated in FIG. 4, one file mark selected from fourfile marks of “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” can be added to a file name of afile of a still image. Further, in the respective file marks, “A”corresponds to “No problem (Accept)”, “B” corresponds to “Replacementrequired (Reject)”, “C” corresponds to “Repair required (Repair)”, and“D” corresponds to “Re-inspection required (Re-Inspect)”.

The file mark which is given to the file name of the file of a stillimage is not limited to a single character, but may be a characterstring which includes a plurality of characters such as “ACCEPT” and“REPAIR”.

Immediately after the window 201 is pop-up displayed, “None” whichindicates that no file mark is added is in a selected state asillustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, if an operation relating to aninstruction to finalize the selection of the file mark is performed inthe state illustrated in FIG. 4, a file name which does not include afile mark, like “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001.JPG”, for example, is given.

As described above, a file mark is the one that the user optionallygives to show what image the stored image is. For example, in order toclassify images into kinds of “No problem (Accept)”, “Replacementrequired (Reject)”, “repair required (Repair)”, and “Re-inspectionrequired (Re-Inspect)”, a file mark is added to the file names. That isto say, a file mark is inspection result information which the user whois an inspector gives to an endoscopic image by looking at theendoscopic image. Further, there is a kind “None”. “None” means no filemark (that is, a file mark cannot be given). Accordingly, addition of afile mark is according to a user's option.

Subsequently, processing or the like which is performed when the userbrowses the endoscopic image group stored in the memory card 11 by usingthe PC 101 will be described. In the following description, forsimplification, the description will be continued while the case of eachof the folders in the memory card 11 being created to have thehierarchical structure as in FIG. 3 is properly cited as an example.

First, the user performs an instruction to actuate predetermined imagebrowsing software (image viewer) which is stored in the storage device63 by operating the input apparatus group 71, in a state in which thememory card 11 is fitted to the connector 69 of the PC 101.

Meanwhile, based on the operation signal received via the I/F 66, theCPU 62 of the PC 101 reads the predetermined image browsing softwarefrom the storage device 63 and actuates the predetermined image browsingsoftware, and performs processing for displaying the endoscopic imagegroup stored in the memory card 11 on the display apparatus 72 accordingto a predetermined display mode.

More specifically, the CPU 62 performs the processing for displaying theendoscopic image group (image file group) which is stored in one folderwhich is selected by the operation of the input apparatus group 71, forexample, on the display apparatus 72 without including an endoscopicimage group (image file group) which is stored in folders at the lowerlevel than the one folder, as the processing relating to theaforementioned predetermined display mode, based on the operation signalreceived via the I/F 66. According to such processing, when the folderof “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1” is selected, for example, in the case of each ofthe folders in the memory card 11 having the hierarchical structure asin FIG. 3, only the image of “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG” is displayedon the display apparatus 72.

According to the present embodiment, as the aforementioned predetermineddisplay mode, an optional display mode other than a list display modewhich will be described later can be applied.

Thereafter, the user performs an instruction to switch the display modeof the endoscopic image group stored in the memory card 11 from theaforementioned predetermined display mode to the list display mode whichwill be described later, by operating the input apparatus group 71.

Here, specific processing or the like which is performed when the listdisplay mode is selected will be described with reference to a flowchartof FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in acase of the list display mode being selected.

In the present embodiment, a state is cited as an example, in which afolder to be an origin for list display of image files is selected basedon the operation signal received via the I/F 66 before the flowchart ofFIG. 5 is executed. The selected folder to be the origin will bedescribed as a selected folder hereinafter. In the example,“Pipesystem_1234567” which is the lower folder of “root” in the memorycard 11 is the selected folder.

First, when the CPU 62 detects that the instruction to switch thedisplay mode from the aforementioned predetermined display mode to thelist display mode is performed, based on the operation signal receivedvia the I/F 66 (step S1 of FIG. 5), the CPU 62 creates a file (in a textformat, for example) for use in description of a file list which makes alocation of each file stored in the selected folder individually (byfull path) identifiable (step S2 of FIG. 5). In the file list, not onlythe location of each file, but also a status flag which shows a state ofpresence or absence of an image in each folder is preferably described.Further, in the example, the file list is created as an individual file,but may be retained as data on a region of the RAM 64.

Next, the CPU 62 acquires hierarchical structure information of theselected folder (step S3 of FIG. 5). More specifically, immediatelyafter the processing of step S2 of FIG. 5 is performed, for example, theCPU 62 acquires the hierarchical structure information indicating that“A0_Pipe_ZX001_1”, “A1_Pipe_ZX002_1”, “B1_Pipe_ZX001_1”,“B2_Pipe_ZX002_2”, and “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” are included as the lowerfolder of “Pipesystem_1234567” of FIG. 3.

The CPU 62 detects whether or not an image file is present in each ofthe folders belonging to the hierarchical structure in the hierarchicalstructure which is acquired by the processing of step S3 of FIG. 5, andthe selected folder has (step S4 of FIG. 5).

When the CPU 62 obtains a detection result that an image file is presentin each of the folders by the processing of step S4 of FIG. 5, the CPU62 acquires a file name of each of the image files in the folders inwhich the image files are present (step S5 of FIG. 5). By performingsuch processing, the CPU 62 acquires the file name of“A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG” which is present in the folder of“A0_Pipe_ZX001_1”, for example.

Further, when the CPU 62 obtains a detection result that an image fileis not present in each of the folders by the processing of step S4 ofFIG. 5, the CPU 62 generates information showing the detection result(step S6 of FIG. 5).

When the CPU 62 obtains the detection result that an image file is notpresent in the folder of “B2_pipe_ZX003_1”, for example, the CPU 62stores a status flag indicating that an image file is not present in thefolder of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” on the RAM 64 as the information indicatingthe detection result.

The CPU 62 may generate a dummy image file for showing the detectionresult and store the dummy image file in the folder of“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1”, instead of storing the status flag on the RAM 64. Thedummy image file is given a file name substantially including theaforementioned regularity as the file name which makes the folder nameof the storage destination of the dummy image file identifiable, but asto the file mark, “A” is indiscriminately given to the dummy imagefiles. Accordingly, when the CPU 62 obtains the detection result that animage file is not present in the folder of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1”, forexample, the CPU 62 generates a dummy image file given a file name of“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG” as the dummy image file including imagedata which is the information indicating the detection result. At thistime, the dummy image file is stored in the folder of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1”,but, for example, the CPU 62 may create a folder for storing the dummyimage file inside (or outside) the selected folder, and may store thedummy image file in the folder. A file name of the dummy image file ismade by the same rule as the above description based on the originalfolder name for which the presence or absence of the image file isdetermined. For example, when the CPU 62 obtains a detection result thatan image file is not present in the folder of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1”, the CPU62 generates a dummy image file given the file name of“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG” as the dummy image file including the imagedata showing the information indicating the detection result.Subsequently, the CPU 62 stores the dummy image file in the folderinside (or outside) the aforementioned selected folder.

Thereafter, the CPU 62 updates the file list in accordance with theprocessing result of S5 or S6 of FIG. 5 (step S7 of FIG. 5).

More specifically, the CPU 62 updates the file list by acquiring thefile name of the image file of “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG” by theprocessing of step S5 of FIG. 5, and adding“root¥Pipesystem_1234567¥A0_Pipe_ZX001_1¥A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG”which is a full path of the image file to the file list. The CPU 62 mayfurther add the status flag indicating that the image file was presentto the file list.

Meanwhile, for example, when the status flag indicating that an imagefile is not present in “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” is stored on the RAM 64 by theprocessing of step S6 of FIG. 5, the CPU 62 updates the file list byadding “root¥Pipesystem_1234567¥B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” which is a full path ofthe folder to the file list and also adding the status flag indicatingthat an image file is not present.

Further, an example of a case without use of a status flag will bedescribed. The CPU 62 updates the file list by acquiring the image filename “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A. JPG” by the processing of step S5 of FIG.5, for example, and adding“root¥Pipesystem_1234567¥A0_Pipe_ZX001_1¥A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG”which is a full path of the image file to the file list. Meanwhile, whenthe CPU 62 generates the dummy image file “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG”by the processing of step S6 of FIG. 5, for example, the CPU 62 updatesthe file list by adding“root¥Pipesystem_1234567¥B2_Pipe_ZX003_1¥B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG”which is a full path of the dummy image file to the file list.

The CPU 62 performs determination of whether or not presence or absenceof image files (acquire the presence information of image files) withrespect to all the folders (including the subfolders and the lowerfolders of the selected folder) which belong to the selected folder bythe processing of step S7 of FIG. 5 (step S8 of FIG. 5).

Subsequently, when the CPU 62 obtains a determination result that thepresence or absence of image files is not confirmed with respect to allthe folders which belong to the selected folder by the processing ofstep S8 of FIG. 5, the CPU 62 returns to step S4 of FIG. 5 and performsthe processing.

Further, when the CPU 62 obtains a determination result that thepresence or absence of the image files is confirmed with respect to allthe folders which belong to the selected folder based on thehierarchical structure information of the selected folder which isacquired in step S3, by the processing of step S8 of FIG. 5, the CPU 62completes creation of the file list, and successively performsprocessing of step S9 of FIG. 5 which will be described later.

That is to say, the CPU 62 creates the file list which makes thelocation of the folder storing the image file individually (by fullpath) identifiable in each of the folders which belong to the selectedfolder, by repeating the processing from step S4 to step S8 of FIG. 5.

After the CPU 62 completes creation of the file list, the CPU 62determines the display sequence at the time of list display of each ofthe image files described in the file list by reading image sortinformation from the storage device 63 or the RAM 64 (step S9 of FIG.5).

Here, the aforementioned image sort information is assumed to beinitially set so that display is performed in the ascending sequence ofthe file names, for example. Further, in the aforementioned image sortinformation, setting is made rewritable so that display is in a desireddisplay sequence of the user, by an operation of the input apparatusgroup 71. More specifically, the user can rewrite the setting of theimage sort information so that display is performed in an ascendingsequence or a descending sequence based on at least any one of, forexample, the file name, the file mark, the inspection purpose, thestatus flag and a comment embedded in the image file. As informationwhich is written as the aforementioned comment, for example, anapparatus name which is used in the inspection, a cause of abnormality,details of the inspection result and the like are conceivable.

Subsequently, the CPU 62 performs processing for list-displaying each ofthe image files described in the file list in the display apparatus 72in the display sequence which is determined by the processing of step S9of FIG. 5 (step S10 of FIG. 5).

More specifically, the CPU 62 performs processing for displaying a listdisplay screen 300 which includes a display mode as shown in FIG. 6, forexample, in the display apparatus 72 in step S10 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is aview showing one example of a screen which is displayed when the listdisplay mode is selected.

The list display screen 300 of FIG. 6 includes a folder selection region301 in which the folder (selected folder) to be the origin of the listdisplay can be selected from the respective folders which are present inthe memory card 11, an image list display region 302 in which the filename of each of the image files which are list-displayed is displayed ina list, a display switch button 303 which is capable of selecting anyone of the aforementioned predetermined display mode and the listdisplay mode and switching to the selected mode, and an image displayregion 304 capable of list-displaying the image files and informationrelating to the image files.

That is to say, according to the list display screen 300 like this, theuser can select one folder to be the origin of list display in the listdisplay mode from the respective folders displayed in the folderselection region 301, by operating the input apparatus group 71.

Further, according to the list display screen 300 like this, the usercan switch the display mode of the image file in the image displayregion 304 by selecting any one of the aforementioned predetermineddisplay mode and the list display mode, by operating the display switchbutton 303 by using the input apparatus group 71.

When the CPU 62 detects that the folder of “Pipesystem_1234567” isselected from the respective folders displayed in the folder selectionregion 301, and the list display mode is selected with the displayswitch button 303, based on the operation signals received via the I/F66, based on the file list generated by the aforementioned processing,the CPU 62 displays “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG”,“A1_Pipe_ZX002_1_0001_A.JPG”, “B1_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_B.JPG” and“B2_Pipe_ZX002_2_0001C.JPG” which are the character strings indicatingthe file names of the respective image files which are present in therespective lower folders which belong to “Pipesystem_1234567” on theimage list display region 302 (see FIG. 6). At this time, when the CPU62 displays the folder name (for example, “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1”) in which animage file is not present in the folder selection region 301, the CPU 62preferably displays the folder name like “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_NP” by addingthe information indicating that an image is not present such as“No_Photograph” (“NP”) to the folder name, for example.

Next, the CPU 62 list-displays the image data which the image fileshave, comments embedded in the image files, storage dates and times(photographing dates and times) of the image files, and the file namesof the image files, in the image display region 304 in a distinguishablestate for each image file (for example, with a display region assignedto each image file), based on the file list generated by theaforementioned processing and the display sequence determined by theaforementioned processing (see FIG. 6).

Thereby, the user notices that information indicating that an image fileis not present in the folder is added to the folder name of“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_NP” in the folder selection region 301, and can easilyrecognize that the image file is not present in the folder of“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_NP”.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the file name may be displayed with theinformation indicating that an image file is not present being added tothe file name, in the image list display region 302. In the image listdisplay region 302, the character string of “No_Photograph” which is theinformation indicating that an image file is not present is added to thefolder name of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” in which an image file is not present,and the folder name is displayed. Meanwhile, in the image display region304, the aforementioned folder name of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” in which animage file is not present, and the character string of “No_Photograph”which is the information indicating that an image file is not presentare displayed, and image data indicating that no image file which issimilar to the image data which the dummy image file has is present inthe folder is displayed. At this time, the image data is the image dataas a template which is prepared in advance, and the file name based oneach of the folder names does not have to be added as the dummy imagefile.

FIG. 8 is a display example of a case in which absence of an image filein the “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” folder is detected in the processing of step S6of FIG. 5, and the dummy image file having the file name of“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG” is created. The CPU 62 displays“A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG”, “A1_Pipe_ZX002_1_0001_A.JPG”,“B1_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_B.JPG”, “B2_Pipe_ZX002_2_0001C.JPG”, and“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG” which are the character strings showing thefile names of the respective image files which are present in therespective lower folders which belong to “Pipesystem_1234567” in theimage list display region 302, based on the file list generated by theaforementioned processing.

In the dummy image file, storage date and time, and a comment are notpresent. Accordingly, in the display region which is assigned to theimage file of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG”, the file name of the imagefile, and the image data including the character string of “NoPhotograph” are displayed (see FIG. 8). Thereby, the user notices thatthe file name including the folder name of “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1” and theimage data including the character string of “No Photograph” aredisplayed together in the image display region 304, and can easilyrecognize that an image file is not present in the folder of“B2_Pipe_ZX003_1”.

As long as absence of an image file in one folder can be visuallyrecognized, information including another display mode except for thefile name and image data (including the character string of “NoPhotograph (NP)” as described above may be displayed in the list displayscreen 300.

According to the list display screen 300 including the display mode asin FIG. 6, information which makes presence or absence of an image fileidentifiable for each lower folder with the folder of“Pipesystem_1234567” as the origin is displayed in the folder selectionregion 301 and the image display region 304. Accordingly, the user caneasily confirm presence or absence of the image file in each of thefolders without performing a conventional complicated operation of, forexample, sequentially opening the respective lower folders of the folderof “Pipesystem_1234567” one by one.

For example as shown in FIG. 9, the list display screen 300 of thepresent embodiment may be a screen in which a frame generated to have adifferent color and (or) pattern for each folder is added to the displayregion assigned to each image file in the image display region 304, asan identifier which is visually identifiable as belonging to the same ora different folder.

Further, the list display screen 300 of the present embodiment may be ascreen in which the information of the inspection result correspondingto the file mark added to the file name is displayed in the displayregion which is assigned to each image file in the image display region304, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. More specifically, for example,when the file mark “A” is added to the file name, the character stringof “Accept” may be displayed, and when the file mark “B” is added to thefile name, the character string of “Reject” may be displayed. When thefile mark “C” is added to the file name, the character string of“Repair” may be displayed, and when the file mark “D” is added to thefile name, the character string of “Re-Inspect” may be displayed.Meanwhile, for example, when a file mark which shows whether or not theimage file is the image file that can be used for measurement such asstereo measurement is added to the file name, a character stringindicating that measurement is possible or measurement is impossible maybe displayed in accordance with the file mark.

Further, the list display screen 300 of the present embodiment may bemade so that a checkmark can be individually added to a desired imagefile of the user among the respective image files which arelist-displayed in the image display region 304, as shown in FIG. 11, forexample. According to such a configuration, the image file to which theaforementioned checkmark is added can be selectively used when a reportfollowing a predetermined template is automatically created, forexample. More specifically, when checkmarks are added as shown in FIG.11, for example, three image files of “A0_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_A.JPG”,“B1_Pipe_ZX001_1_0001_B.JPG”, and “B2_Pipe_ZX003_1_0001_A.JPG” areselectively used when the report following the predetermined template isautomatically created.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, forexample, in the folder selection region 301, to an icon of the folder inwhich an image file is not present, a display mode differing from anicons of other folders, for example, a color and (or) a pattern may beadded, and the folder may be displayed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, forexample, in the folder selection region 301, a character stringcorresponding to a folder in which an image file is not present may bedisplayed by being emphasized.

The embodiment which is described above is not limited to an embodimentthat is applied to an image file of endoscopic images which are acquiredby inspection using an endoscope apparatus, and can be widely applied toimage files of inspection images which are acquired by inspection usingother inspection apparatuses such as a nondestructive inspectionapparatus, for example.

Furthermore, all or part of a program code of software which executesprocessing or the like for displaying the list display screen of theembodiment described above is recorded or stored in movable media suchas a flexible disk and a CD-ROM, storage devices such as a ROM and ahard disk of an endoscope main body, and the like. The program code isread by a computer, and all or part of the operation is executed.Alternatively, all or part of the program can be distributed or providedvia a communication network. A user can easily realize the inspectionimage display apparatus and method of the present invention bydownloading the program via the communication network and installing theprogram in a computer, or installing the program in the computer from astorage medium.

The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment,and various changes and applications can be made within a range withoutdeparting from a gist of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An endoscopic inspection image display controlapparatus comprising a CPU which is configured to operate as: a displayswitch section configured to switch a display mode at a time ofdisplaying a plurality of endoscopic inspection images stored in astorage device in which a plurality of image folders arranged in ahierarchical structure are created, by selecting the display mode fromone of a predetermined display mode and a list display mode; an imagefolder selecting section configured to select one image folder to be anorigin of list display from the plurality of image folders when the listdisplay mode is selected by the display switch section; and a controlsection that performs display control such that (i) an image folderselection region for displaying the plurality of image folders fromwhich the one image folder is selected by the image folder selectingsection, and (ii) an image display region for displaying each ofendoscopic inspection image files stored in each image folder belongingto an image folder group with the one image folder as the origin, aresimultaneously displayed in a first display area and a second displayarea, respectively, wherein the control section further performs displaycontrol such that inspection result information, which is given to eachendoscopic inspection image file to be displayed in the image displayregion, is displayed in the image display region.
 2. The endoscopicinspection image display control apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe inspection result information is information given by an inspector.3. The endoscopic inspection image display control apparatus accordingto claim 2, wherein the inspection result information is informationgiven to a still image displayed when the inspector performs a freezeoperation.
 4. The endoscopic inspection image display control apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the control section further performscontrol such that a file name corresponding to the inspection resultinformation is given to each of the endoscopic inspection image filesand is displayed in the image display region.
 5. The endoscopicinspection image display control apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe control section further performs control such that image dataincluded in the endoscopic inspection image files and the inspectionresult information are displayed together in the image display region.6. The endoscopic inspection image display control apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the control section further performs control suchthat a character string corresponding to the inspection resultinformation is displayed in the image display region.
 7. The endoscopicinspection image display control apparatus according to claim 6,wherein, when information indicating whether or not a given endoscopicinspection image file from among the endoscopic inspection image filescan be used for a predetermined measurement is given to the givenendoscopic inspection image file as the inspection result information,the control section further performs control such that the characterstring, which indicates whether or not execution of the predeterminedmeasurement is possible using the given endoscopic inspection imagefile, is displayed in the image display region.
 8. An endoscopicinspection image display control method comprising: switching a displaymode at a time of displaying, on a display, a plurality of endoscopicinspection images stored in a storage device in which a plurality ofimage folders arranged in a hierarchical structure are created, byselecting the display mode from one of a predetermined display mode anda list display mode; selecting one image folder to be an origin of listdisplay from the plurality of image folders when the list display modeis selected by the switching; performing, by a processor, control of thedisplay such that (i) an image folder selection region for displayingthe plurality of image folders from which the one image folder isselected, and (ii) an image display region for displaying each ofendoscopic inspection image files stored in each image folder belongingto an image folder group with the one image folder as the origin, aresimultaneously displayed in a first display area and a second displayarea, respectively; and performing, by the processor, control of thedisplay such that inspection result information, which is given to eachendoscopic inspection image file to be displayed in the image displayregion, is displayed in the image display region.
 9. The endoscopicinspection image display control method according to claim 8, whereinthe inspection result information is information given by an inspector.10. The endoscopic inspection image display control method according toclaim 9, wherein the inspection result information is information givento a still image displayed when the inspector performs a freezeoperation.
 11. The endoscopic inspection image display control methodaccording to claim 8, further comprising performing, by the processor,control such that a file name corresponding to the inspection resultinformation is given to each of the endoscopic inspection image filesand is displayed in the image display region.
 12. The endoscopicinspection image display control method according to claim 8, wherein inperforming the control of the display by the processor, image dataincluded in the endoscopic inspection image files and the inspectionresult information are displayed together in the image display region.13. The endoscopic inspection image display control method according toclaim 8, wherein in performing the control of the display by theprocessor, a character string corresponding to the inspection resultinformation is displayed in the image display region.
 14. The endoscopicinspection image display control method according to claim 13, wherein,when information indicating whether or not a given endoscopic inspectionimage file from among the endoscopic inspection image files can be usedfor a predetermined measurement is given to the given endoscopicinspection image file as the inspection result information, theprocessor performs further control such that the character string, whichindicates whether or not execution of the predetermined measurement ispossible using the given endoscopic inspection image file, is displayedin the image display region.